Ice Dam Prevention Strategies

If you are a homeowner you might be thinking how you can prevent ice dams from forming on your roof this winter. If you haven’t already, consider blow in insulation. Blow in insulation provides homeowners with many benefits that not only keep ice dams from forming and even damaging your roof and gutters, but will also help keep your home warm and energy efficient.

What are ice dams exactly?

Ice dams are blocks of ice that form on roofs and gutters and prevent melting snow and water from properly draining from your roof. Water that sits stagnant on roofs can not only cause damage to the roof itself, but also leak into the home and damage walls, insulation, and ceilings. If bad enough, they can even ruin carpets, furniture, and other home prized possessions.

How do ice dams form?

Ice dams form only when there is snow on the roof. The temperature underneath the snow must be at least 32 degrees F while the outside surface of the snow must be over 32 degrees F over a period of time. The snow on the outside surface, the area above 32 degrees, will melt, such as on a warmer or sunny day, and when the water runs down over the portion that is below 32 degrees, it freezes…forming an ice dam.

So what are some ice dam prevention strategies?

One of the sure ways to prevent ice dams from forming is considering home insulation. Attics should be composed of three major elements, which include: attic insulation, attic ventilation, and radiant barrier. These elements are necessary to heating and cooling your home and keeping overall energy costs down, as well as preventing ice dams from forming.

Minneapolis Insulation Installers are knowledgeable and experienced with cellulose blown in insulation. Depending on your home and the type of installation you choose, different insulation processes are recommended. Most of these insulation practices and process are designed for those properties located in the Minneapolis area and meet certain codes and Minneapolis criteria.

Finally, blown in insulation is an effective form of insulation that homeowners should consider prior to choosing a type of insulation for their homes and attics. Not only will it keep your energy costs down and save you bundles over the long term, but it is one of the most effective ice dam prevention strategies. In addition to keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, blown in insulation also keeps your home dry. Proper insulation in your attic or anywhere in your home will also serve as a return on investment for your home.

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